Sunday’s Aviva Premiership clash at The Ricoh is the first for Leicester post the Richard Cockerill era and Aaron Mauger’s first game as Interim Director of Rugby in complete control of the Tigers. They come up against the league leaders and I have no doubt that Wasps will provide Mauger with the toughest of starts to his ‘audition’ to become the No.1 on a permanent basis.

The new ‘Midlands Derby’ fixture has already thrown up a thriller earlier in the season at Welford Road and with the Christmas and New Year period providing contrasting fortunes for both these teams, the real business of the second half of the season begins in earnest this weekend.

Sloppy at the Outset

Wasps will be looking to improve their opening 20 mins this week after Dai Young conceded that despite a full house five point haul over Newcastle Falcons on New Year’s Eve, the leaders were sloppy at the outset of that game.

Even though they went behind by 12 points in the first twenty minutes, they recovered by half-time and another strong showing by flanker Thomas Young now has him being talked up for Welsh selection ahead of the Six Nations in February.

Difficult Decision

Indeed, Young Snr will face a difficult decision in terms of selection when James Haskell returns imminently although rumour has it that in those close calls, unless the boss’ boy is far and away the form player, the DoR tends to lean in favour of the other guy. This is just one of the downsides of being the main man’s son.

Leicester’s players have handled the news about Cockerill’s departure this week with great professionalism as well as sadness. Captain Tom Youngs – who was one of those who developed through Leicester’s academy under Cockerill’s tenure at the club – denied any rumour of a player coup.

“The board are in contact with us senior boys, and they ask you all sorts of different questions.

“You ask them what are we looking to do, who are we looking to sign, where is the club going, and you have those conversations.”

Consistency and Confidence

36 year-old New Zealander Mauger has told the Tigers website that he is looking for “consistency and confidence” in the performances of his team and that challenge begins this week against the attacking prowess of Wasps.